On trend: green walls and wood stains

Combining swampy green walls with stained timber doesn't often evoke a space with an architectural sensibility. But in this case, that's exactly what's going on... in an artsy retro way rather than a straight-laced purist way. 

The layered DIY ply artwork, made from off-cuts and finished in various Resene stains, adds a quirky individualised element, while that fluffy chair has touch-me written all over it. As well as 'don't drink your red wine here, or let the black cat loose in the room.' Then add old wine boxes - some stained, some clear finished - for storage. It's a simple look but one that uses a crafted combo of key pieces and colours to set the scene. 

Why it works

• There's something deeply soothing about deep green walls. They have similar visual punch to black, charcoal or ink blue but are much warmer with an organic, back-to-nature feel. This colour is Resene Ruck N Maul, described as a 'get down and dirty' dark green. It's a fairly 'clean' dark green (more licorice than swamp); for a more earthy feel you could try Resene Karaka or Resene Seaweed. 
• Using a mix of stains on the wine boxes and art is absolutely key. If these were left raw, the room would lack dimension and interest. The stylist who worked on the room, Megan Harrison-Turner, chose a range of stains with warm natural hues: Resene Uluru, Resene Nutmeg, Resene Driftwood, Resene Limed Gum and Resene Walnut, all from the Resene Colorwood range. 
• Cork is the material of the moment, and it's used here in the cool Barona pendant light shade from Freedom Furniture, but also on the cork tile floor. These tiles are specially finished in Resene Walnut stain, by Cork in Colour. The company does other colours as well, including a metallic finish using Resene paints. 
• A signature chair is a must. This one, the Cindy Club Chair from Republic Home, is almost a piece of art or sculpture in its own right. It's mightily comfortable (we tried it) but above all else, it looks fantastic. The textural depths of the white sheepskin really pings against the dark wall. 

Our favourite deep greens.

Click here to check out the full range of Resene interior stains.  

Published: 19 Apr 2017

Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

Photography by Melanie Jenkins